Roselle Football Turns to Young Talent in Year One Under New Head Coach

The Roselle High School Rams football program enters the 2026 season under new head coach James Roach, who is focusing on building a strong foundation and increasing participation in the program. Roach, originally from Plainfield, has lived in Roselle for 30 years and raised his family there. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Rams for 10 years before taking a five-year gap from 2021-2025. He also led the borough's youth football program prior to his high school position.

Roach's primary goals extend beyond wins and losses. "Success for me is getting kids involved," he told TAPinto Roselle. "Increasing the number of kids that are in the program. Secondly, academically. Getting them eligible. We have a problem with a lot of kids who are not eligible right now. Increasing the numbers, getting them out, making this something positive that they want to be a part of. The product of all of that is the wins and losses, but I am coming in just trying to change the culture."

Despite posting a 2-9 record last season, Roach believes the Rams have more talent than their record suggests. "When I got the job, I was thinking rebuild. We are young," Roach noted. "I didn't realize we can be competitive right now, we have all the pieces. Our only problem is the depth...right now we can compete with anybody. We have speedsters on the outside, we have a nice running back core, a nice sized line."

The Rams will feature senior receiver Raekwon Anderson, who also competes in track and is one of the fastest sprinters in the state. Sophomore receiver Aydin Custis, who saw significant playing time as a freshman, and senior Willie Currie, expected to serve as the lead running back and starting linebacker, will also be key offensive contributors. The team has not yet named a starting quarterback, with juniors Yoree Nedab and Vaylen Webb competing for the position. Roselle opens its season September 5 against Hillside.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.